Neil Lennon "not giving up" on title; provides James Forrest update

By Euan Davidson

January 7, 2021

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is refusing to concede the Scottish Premiership title.

Neil Lennon spoke to Celtic FC’s official YouTube channel today, as the Bhoys were set to leave their controversial training camp in Dubai.

Lenny was in fighting mood, heralding the benefits of the Dubai trip and the efforts of the players in training. Celtic find themselves 19 points behind Rangers at the summit of the Scottish Premiership (SPFL), albeit with three games in hand.

The boss was under no illusions that it would take a hell of a turnaround to win the title this season. Celtic and Rangers have both made historic attempts at 10IAR, but it has never happened in the Scottish top flight.

Lennon was typically bullish in his interview with in-house media:

“I’m looking forward to the games. I think the players will be, we’ve got our targets, incentives and we’ve got a lot to play for still.

“We’re not giving up on the league by any stretch of the imagination, but we are going to have to be really on it from here on in and we are capable of doing that.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon gave an update on winger James Forrest / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Neil Lennon updates on Forrest and Johnston

Lennon was able to give Celtic fans a positive update on winger James Forrest.

The Bhoys have undoubtedly missed Forrests’ production, with Ryan Christie often preferred on the right of midfield. In the 19-20 season, Forrest had 27 goal involvements in 28 league games (via Transfermarkt). This term, the 29-year-old has barely featured.

There was also good news about his left-sided counterpart, Mikey Johnston, who trained with the squad in Dubai.

Lennon said:

“We have missed those two this year. They are exceptional talents, individual talents and they can change the dynamic of the way we play.

“Mikey has had a real bad luck of run with injuries so it’s good to see him back and flourishing again.

“Jamesy is not a million miles away now which is huge because he’s been such a pivotal player over the years.”